US Issues Cautionary Warning to Americans in UK After Foiled Terror Plot Near Air Base
The US Embassy in London alerted citizens to 'exercise caution' following arrests linked to a suspected terrorist act near RAF Fairford.
The U.S. government has issued a warning for Americans in the United Kingdom to "exercise caution" and "be mindful of personal security" after a suspected terrorist plot was disrupted near an air force base.
The US Embassy in London stated it was aware of the arrests of five men in Fairford, Gloucestershire, who were allegedly "looking to do big damage" to U.S. forces. The embassy advised U.S. citizens to follow the instructions of local authorities.
RAF Fairford, a U.S. Air Force command outpost for operations in Europe, has been utilized for American strikes against targets in the Strait of Hormuz. The base had previously been a subject of warnings from Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
President Donald Trump praised the British police response, suggesting that authorities had the suspects under investigation for an extended period. "It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job," Trump told reporters. "We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great."
Authorities were alerted to the situation around 12:45 a.m. by a local resident who reported seeing five "Middle Eastern-looking, masked" men acting suspiciously near three white vans. The resident observed the men scattering through fields and towards the air base. Police discovered viable incendiary devices and chemicals inside one of the vehicles.
Approximately 85 homes were evacuated in the surrounding Cotswolds countryside as armed police and the SAS secured the area. The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team conducted searches. Temporary Chief Constable for Gloucestershire Police, Maggie Blyth, stated that the incident was believed to be "contained" and that agencies were working closely to support the local community.
Following the incident, RAF Fairford was placed on Delta alert, the highest threat level used by the U.S. Department of Defense. Security was also heightened at other U.S. bases in the UK, with reports indicating RAF Lakenheath was placed on Charlie alert, the second-highest threat level.
The incident has led to increased security measures and ongoing investigations, with officials urging the public not to speculate as the full facts are established.